The transitional Constitution Will Create an Imperial Presidency BY: Daniel Ater Deng, USA
JUNE 08/2011, SSN; The political debate between the ruling SPLM and the south Sudan political parties about the interim constitution review was unproductive and shocking, simply because the ruling clique had already decided on its outcome. On this view, there were three goals among other hidden goals that the ruling party wanted to achieve by reviewing the interim constitution. Firstly, crowning an authoritarian president who rules absolutely whose powers are neither checked nor balanced by any constitutional body of the Republic of South Sudan (ROSS). Secondly, complicating the constitutional procedures of orderly transition of power, mainly “presidency,” the common target is the current vice president. Although he has invested all his eggs in Pres. Kiir’s basket, the power brokers of SPLM are still conspiring against him. God alone knows if his eggs will hatch or not. Thirdly, prolonging the president office terms without limitation. For the so-called liberators have become the invading war-lords over the south. Nowadays, South Sudanese people have shown to the entire world a unique example of political conviction when they voted overwhelmingly for their independence during the historical referendum in 2010. As a matter of fact, each and every tribe has fought for emancipation from the Khartoum’s colonialism and Islamic bigotry. However, they have crossed the Red Sea into the wilderness. There are many challenges and giants that will test their unity on the journey to the promised land (ROSS). Therefore, it has been widely expected that Pres. Kiir would capitalize on the historic national consensus which was forged prior to the referendum. Instead of cementing the political consensus and solidarity among the marginalized south, the ruling party has embarked on the politics of exclusivity by sabotaging the national dialogue about the transitional constitution. If Pre. Kiir administration goes down the paths of exclusiveness and out- casting “other political parties” then for sure the old Sudan history of marginalization will definitely repeat itself in the Republic of South Sudan. Historically, the exclusive doctrine of marginalisation has been the root cause that ignited the many ethnic conflicts in Sudan. Today some south Sudanese ethnic groups are physically eradicated, politically dominated and ideologically demonized by the ruling elite’s of SPLM in Juba. Furthermore, South Sudan political parties demand for power sharing is a legitimate right that has come as result of marginalisation and exclusiveness. During the six years of Pre. Kiir’s presidency, many southerners were excluded or demoted from the power circles, because of their tribal identities The southern Sudan state of political affairs is in such a chaotic situation, because of a prideful assumption that the leadership is a special vocation for one tribe. More importantly, the rule of law and order as well as Human Rights (HRs) should have been encouraged instead of rule of tribal favoritism and corruption. As the rule of law is the hallmark requirement of 21st century of modern societies. But alas, it is a mystery those twenty -one years of the national armed struggle in the bush has molded a toxic “attitude of indifference” in ruling elites. Legally speaking, a national constitution is not a codification of personal or ethnic interest, but nation-state interest in order to achieve unity, equality and prosperity. Otherwise, any selfishness or power-greediness from the ruling clique will imminently lead to “Fail-State.” Southern Sudan doesn’t need an authoritarian style of leadership but civilized leadership that can accommodate its cultural diversity. Despite the current chaos and pernicious tribalism, the South Sudanese will one day be able to produce a redeeming leader. By /Daniel Ater Deng The writer is a concerned south Sudanese in USA; he can be reached at [email protected] COMMENTS, PLEASE CLICK HERE Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author(s) and do not represent those of the website. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "JFD info" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/jfdinfo?hl=en.
